Calder, Ivanans recovering
The Kings’ walking wounded were busy at work on Friday in El Segundo, signing special California Firefighters’ Assn. patches to be sold at tonight’s game against Dallas at Staples Center.
Their teammates were doing another kind of work not far away -- practicing.
That, at this point, is premature for forward Kyle Calder (fractured thumb) and enforcer Raitis Ivanans (broken cheekbone). The two skated before practice on their own, and Ivanans hopes to skate again today and is scheduled to see the doctor later in the day.
Unlike Calder, Ivanans did not require surgery, somewhat of a medical miracle since his face made contact with teammate Rob Blake’s slapshot on Nov. 2 in San Jose. Ivanans, who looked as if he had gone 10 rounds, could return to action next week. Calder reported progress but probably won’t return until later in the month.
“Blake’s shot is not weak,” Ivanans said. Something of an understatement. Amazingly, Ivanans did not drop to the ice and skated off under his own power.
“I just wanted to skate to the bench, so the trainers could take a look at it,” he said. “I was just worried it was my eye.”
Calder chimed in: “He’s a tough guy.”
A previous broken cheekbone helped. “The doctor said it was better because the bone healed stronger,” Ivanans said. Still, he has had headaches and still feels sore, though there was no concussion.
“We’re going to play it safe with him for at least tomorrow and hopefully he’ll be able to skate before our next game on Tuesday,” Coach Marc Crawford said.
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TONIGHT
vs. Dallas, 7:30, FSN West
Radio -- 1150.
Site -- Staples Center.
Records -- Kings 7-8; Stars 7-7-2.
Record vs. Stars -- 1-1.
Update -- Dallas, tied for second place, is only two points ahead of the last-place Kings in the Pacific Division race. Kings goalie Jason LaBarbera is expected to get the start.
Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.
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